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Member guide to theft prevention
As the demonstrations at Westminster this week highlighted, thefts from vans and other commercial vehicles have become a major problem in the UK.
Each year around 50,000 LCVs are stolen or broken into. Only two in five are recovered. In addition to the vehicle being stolen, thefts involve the vehicle’s load and loose items in the cab.
Thieves see commercial vehicles as a soft target and personal belongings are taken too. Stolen vehicles, loads and equipment disrupt business, lets the customer down and increases insurance premiums.
All staff involved in vehicle operations are responsible for security.
Here are the key tips for drivers.
Planning ahead
• Make sure that the vehicle is loaded with the correct consignments.
• If you make the same journey frequently consider whether the route/schedule can be varied, if this is possible or permitted.
Security on the road
• Remove ignition keys, lock the cab doors and the vehicle’s load space whenever it is left unattended. Even when you are going to pay for fuel or when making a delivery.
• Where possible, avoid routine stops for cigarettes and newspapers, by buying beforehand.
• Do not leave windows open when away from your vehicle.
• If anti-theft devices are fitted to your vehicle, then use them.
• Do not carry unauthorised passengers in your vehicle.
• Where high value loads are carried, travel in convoy with other known and trusted drivers if possible. Beware of bogus officials or staff; always ask for identification. Carry a ‘vulnerable load’ card for production if stopped by police. If in doubt go to the nearest police station.
• Do not leave vehicles unattended with the engine running, for example clearing snow and ice; opportunistic thieves are always on the look out to steal vehicles. Your vehicle insurance may be invalid if it is stolen in these circumstances.
Every day security
• Never leave keys hidden for collection by a relief driver.
• Keep documentation about the load in a secure place.
• On arrival at your destination, do not allow yourself to be persuaded to leave your vehicle in the charge of anyone else or to deliver to any other location unless certain that such action is legitimate.
• Remain alert to the possibility that the thief may try to take your keys from you.
• Never leave valuables on view, whether these are loose work equipment or your personal belongings. Look out for and report any security defects on your vehicle, such as faulty locks, bolts, straps and anti-theft devices.
Parking safely
• Where possible use prearranged secure parking areas for overnight stops. Particularly avoid using insecure, casual parking places as a routine practice.
• Never leave the vehicle unattended in a secluded area or, at night, in an unlit area. Try to keep your vehicle in sight if you leave it unattended.
• When the vehicle is left unattended overnight, back the vehicle up against a wall or other secure barrier to prevent access to the rear doors, but remember the top and sides of the vehicle will remain vulnerable.
Be aware
• Report any irregularity in loading, locking, sealing or documentation.
• Treat unsolicited offers of assistance from unknown persons, together with signals from other drivers that something is amiss with your vehicle, with extreme caution.
• Avoid talking about your load or your intended route in public or over the radio. Be careful when asking unknown people for advice on local offroad parking facilities.
• Be vigilant and cautious when returning to a vehicle alone. Check for other suspicious vehicles nearby or persons in the immediate vicinity, particularly if seen taking undue interest in the vehicle. Note descriptions and registration numbers. Get assistance from other drivers if seriously concerned or telephone the police for advice.
• After a driving break or other stop where the vehicle is left unattended, look out for signs of tampering with doors.
• In the event of a breakdown, consider the possibility of tampering or sabotage. Always take into consideration the security of the load if it is necessary to leave the vehicle.
Report thefts, attempts of theft or suspicious activity to the police and your manager immediately. Never put yourself at risk in an attempt to protect the vehicle or load.
Your personal safety must always come first!
Published On: 06/02/2025 14:04:10
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